State growing guide
Nebraska Planting Guide
USDA Zone 5a/5b · Last frost May 3 · First frost Oct 8 · 158 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Nebraska.
Frost Dates by City — Nebraska
Average frost dates for major Nebraska cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 5b | May 1 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (May 1) |
| Lincoln | 5b | May 1 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (May 1) |
| Grand Island | 5a | May 8 | Oct 3 | ~2 wks after (May 8) |
| North Platte | 5a | May 10 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Nebraska Gardeners
- Nebraska summers are hot — great for corn, watermelon, and squash
- Transplant tomatoes mid-May in Omaha and Lincoln
- Western Nebraska (Alliance, Scottsbluff) has shorter seasons and more wind
Common Challenges in Nebraska
- ⚠ Hail storms are common and devastating — hail nets recommended
- ⚠ High plains wind and drought stress plants in western Nebraska
Best Crops for Nebraska
Sweet Corn Tomatoes Peppers Sunflowers Squash Watermelon Beans Potatoes Pumpkins
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Nebraska
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nebraska Gardening
What zone is Nebraska?
Nebraska ranges from Zone 4b (northwestern Panhandle) to Zone 5b (southeast). Omaha and Lincoln are Zone 5b, Grand Island is Zone 5a.